Guest Author - Kate Pullen

This design is loosely based on the motifs used in Irish Crochet. It is straightforward to make, using just Single Crochet (Double Crochet UK) and chain stitch. Many Irish Crochet designs lend themselves to being adapted to make pot mats and coasters. There are a number of patterns available on the internet and it is fun to experiment!

The Shamrock is made up of three leaves crocheted around an inner circle, and is worked in rounds. The finished Shamrock is approximately 6 inches across at the widest point and if blocked flat will make a lovely pot mat or large coaster. If worked in a cotton then this would also make a good decoration to hang on a wall or tree.

Materials
1 crochet hook (3.5mm or US E-4)
Double Knitting wool

Instructions
Make 5 chain stitch and join into loop

Round 1: 2 chain and 17 Single Crochet around the loop, join.

Round 2: 2 chain and 17 Single Crochet into each stitch of the previous row, join.

Round 3: 2 chain * 1 Single Crochet into next stitch, 12 chain and Single Crochet into next stitch. Single Crochet into the following 4 stitches *; repeat from * to * twice and slip stitch to join the round.

Round 4: Into first leaf * crochet 22 Single Crochet around the chain. Miss the first stitch and make 4 Single Crochet into the next 4 stitches, miss the next stitch * and repeat from * to * twice.

Round 5: Single Crochet into first stitch at the base of the leaf and make * 4 chain. Miss two stitches and make 1 Single Crochet into next stitch * . Repeat from * to * 6 times giving 7 mini loops around the edge of the leaf in total. Make 2 Single Crochet into the middle two stitches between the leaves and repeat from the start of the round twice into the remaining two leaves.

Round 6: * Make 6 Single Crochet into first mini-loop of the leaf, Single Crochet into the stitch between the mini-loops and repeat 6 times around the leaf, ending with a Single Crochet into the stitch at the base of the leaf. Note: you can either work the stitches into each mini loop the same – or for a variation into the 4th (middle) mini-loop work 3 Single Crochet, make 3 Chain and then work 2 Single Crochet to give the picot on the top of the leaf. * Repeat from * to * into each remaining leaf. Note that no stitches are made between the leaves on the last round. To end slip stitch to the base of first leaf.

Made in a thin cotton and this would make a lovely Irish themed coaster. For more St Patrick's Day ideas take a look at the BellaOnline article here